Time is of the essence for Leeds United and the club’s hierarchy.
Having survived last season by the skin of their teeth, Daniel Farke’s side cannot rest on their laurels.
Newly-promoted teams have struggled to retain their Premier League status in recent years, but that trend has to end at some point.
Leeds have made a promising start to the summer window.
Former Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson was a much-coveted free agent before being persuaded to move to Elland Road, while executives moved fast to secure the £34m capture of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo as Pascal Struijk’s replacement at the back.
The i Paper has been told that, while the club are aware they need to focus on signing some younger players, given several new arrivals have been approaching 30, market opportunities like Wilson’s made his arrival a “no-brainer”.
Money is still pretty tight, with a stadium revamp to pay for and the new squad cost ratio (SCR) rules limiting the club even more than its predecessor, profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR), did.
A new striker and a full-back are also needed – these will be identified later in the window.
In the meantime, three prime targets will be pursued in the coming weeks before those other key areas are addressed.
Julian Brandt
Another market opportunity, where Leeds can get a player worth “upwards of £20m” for free, even if he is the wrong side of 30, that is proving irresistible to turn down.
Sources have told The i Paper that Julian Brandt’s agent and father, Jurgen, has held talks with the club over a free transfer after the attacking midfielder’s contract with Borussia Dortmund expired at the end of last season.
Talks are ongoing, with Leeds hoping to beat several European clubs to Brandt’s signature.
The Whites are particularly short in this position and feel Brandt could add a new dimension to their attack.
Shea Charles
Leeds’ interest in Southampton midfielder Shea Charles is long-standing.
It is understood that two bids have already been rejected, thought to be in the region of £25m.
Reports that Leeds are set to walk away from the deal are wide of the mark, however.
Sources indicated talks remain ongoing, as is the case with any negotiation, with the hope a deal can be struck.
Charles fits several of the profiles Leeds are looking for.
While the club are aware they need to add youth to their ageing squad, the 22-year-old has plenty of gametime for one so young, including 35 international caps for Northern Ireland.
Experience is seen as a crucial facet in Farke’s squad, given Leeds are likely to be in another relegation battle, where knowhow could be invaluable.
James Trafford
How long can James Trafford sit on the Manchester City bench, if he is ever going to usurp Jordan Pickford as England’s No 1?
Leeds are huge admirers of Trafford and see him as the ideal signing between the sticks.
Sources indicated the club are looking to upgrade on current goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who they signed last summer.
The Brazilian has interest from Torino in Italy after a mediocre first season in England.
Trafford has admirers up and down the land, given his situation at the Etihad.
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City are understood to be willing to listen to suitable offers for the England keeper, but the 23-year-old will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.
Leeds would likely have to move Perri on to help fund any move for Trafford.
Karl Darlow has left to become understudy to Senne Lammens at Manchester United, so signing another keeper this summer is a must.
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